Basket-hilt Saber Fencing; Germany, c. 1910

These fencers are mugging for the camera after an hour on the Paukboden…

This unidentified German fraternity poses in their fencing loft. The weapons used are practice basket-hilt sabers (Korbsäbel) that lack the tin-and-cloth inserts. The fencers, as well as the “umpire” at the center, wear heavily padded fencing aprons (plastrons). Heavy practice helmets scattered on the floor, the walls are hung with Stulpen (armguards) for bell-guard Schläger… recognizable by their heavy padding.